2024's Best Smartphone Awards: The Absence of the iPhone 16 Series and the Unexpected Rise of Google Pixel

2024's Best Smartphone Awards: The Absence of the iPhone 16 Series and the Unexpected Rise of Google PixelThe end of the year is the season for major tech publications to conduct their annual awards, particularly prominent overseas tech media whose "best smartphone" selections often attract widespread attention. However, this year's results present a stark contrast to previous years: Apple's iPhone 16 series was completely "ignored

2024's Best Smartphone Awards: The Absence of the iPhone 16 Series and the Unexpected Rise of Google Pixel

The end of the year is the season for major tech publications to conduct their annual awards, particularly prominent overseas tech media whose "best smartphone" selections often attract widespread attention. However, this year's results present a stark contrast to previous years: Apple's iPhone 16 series was completely "ignored."

In the awards from several well-known overseas tech publications, the iPhone 16 series failed to even crack the top three. Three influential publications, 9to5Google, AndroidPolice, and AndroidAuthority, clearly demonstrate this trend.

9to5Google's voting results showed the Google Pixel 9 Pro topping the list with 24% of the vote, followed by the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at 22%, and the Sony Xperia 1 VI at 12%. Notably, no Apple products appeared in the top three.

AndroidPolice's results were similarly striking. The Google Pixel 9 Pro won with 26% of the vote, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL came in second with 23%, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra took third place with 19%. Similar to 9to5Google's results, the Apple iPhone 16 series was absent from the top three.

AndroidAuthority's results confirmed this trend. The Google Pixel 9 Pro secured first place with 21% of the vote, followed by the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra at 20%, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL at 16%. Again, the Apple iPhone 16 series was absent from the top three.

The unanimous results from these three publications suggest a potential decline in the iPhone 16 series' popularity in overseas markets, a phenomenon unseen in previous years. This might explain why the iPhone 16 series was "overlooked" this year. The iPhone series has long been a strong contender, often topping the lists. This year's results undoubtedly serve as a wake-up call for Apple.

However, it's crucial to note that these awards are based on the votes of overseas users. The consumer environment for smartphones overseas differs significantly from domestic markets. Many Chinese brands that perform strongly domestically aren't widely sold overseas, explaining their absence from these awards.

Surprisingly, the Google Pixel series emerged as the biggest winner this year, consistently landing in the top two, even taking the top two spots, across all three publications. This contrasts sharply with the Pixel series' overall sales figures, creating an interesting discrepancy. Many believe the Pixel series excels in user experience and technological innovation, potentially explaining its high ranking in the awards. However, sales figures don't reflect this positive reception, raising questions. Is it a matter of marketing strategy? Pricing? Or other limiting factors? This is something Google needs to seriously consider.

For Apple, the iPhone 16 series' failure to win over overseas users requires serious reflection. Apple might need to adjust its product design, feature innovation, and marketing strategies to better meet market demands. With only one annual phone launch, missing the mark means waiting a whole year for correction.

The iPhone 16 series' underperformance might also reflect evolving consumer expectations for smartphones. Consumers desire more comprehensive features, smoother experiences, and greater personalization options. Apple needs to listen carefully to consumer feedback and incorporate it into future product designs. Only then might Apple regain its former glory and ensure the iPhone 17 series and beyond win back user affection and finally burst the toothpaste tube (a reference to Apple's incremental updates).

In conclusion, the 2024 best smartphone awards highlight the unexpected rise of the Google Pixel series and the challenges Apple faces. In the increasingly competitive smartphone market, only continuous innovation and improvement can win over users and ensure market dominance. Apple needs to thoroughly analyze these results, understand the underlying causes, and make improvements to guide future product development. This also offers lessons for other manufacturers: only by consistently meeting the growing needs of consumers can they secure a place in the competitive market. For consumers, these results provide a broader perspective when choosing a phone. Ultimately, the market will provide the final answer, driving the entire smartphone industry forward. This year's results undoubtedly add suspense and anticipation to the 2025 smartphone market.